Caps Top Canes in OT

The Washington Capitals returned home to the Eastern Time Zone and the Verizon Center after a 4 game roadtrip. The Carolina Hurricanes are currently in sixth place in the Metropolitan division and have a young defense. Jay Beagle skated with the top line while the rest of the right wings ( T. J. Oshie, Justin Williams and Tom Wilson) shifted down a line.

First Period: Improvements

The Capitals’ first periods have not been good lately. This first period was different than those. The Caps had their skating legs and came out firing the puck at Hurricane’s goaltender Eddie Lack. Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin had the first of many quality chances that the Capitals had in the opening period. The posts probably had some dents in them due to how many times the Caps hit them. The Canes did well in the first period but the Capitals outshot them 10-8 in the period.

GOALS: None

PENALTIES: None

SCORE: Game tied 0-0

Second Period: Caps Score First!

Justin Williams scored 90 seconds into the period to give the Capitals a 1-0 lead. The streak of allowing the first goal is (finally) over. At the end of the period, on a broken play, Jordan Staal tied the game for the Canes. Almost immediately after, Evgeny Kuznetsov rang the puck off the post. It was a great pass from Andre Burakovsky. The Capitals had a late period power play but nothing came of it. The teams ended the period tied 1-1.

GOALS: Justin Williams scored his 21st of the season (assist: Jason Chimera); Jordan Staal scored his 18th of the season (assist: None)

PENALTIES: Nicklas Backstrom (tripping); Michal Jordan (tripping)

SCORE: Game tied 1-1.

Third Period: Solid Goaltenders

Justin Williams tried the Kuznetsov pass (no look behind the net) but nobody was home. The Caps have hit the post four different times during the game. There were quality chances for each team during the period. Goaltenders Eddie Lack and Braden Holtby were solid in the respective nets. The Caps penalty kill was successful when Wilson was sent to the box. The Caps and Canes headed to 3-on-3 OT tied 1-1.

GOALS: None

PENALTIES: Tom Wilson (hooking)

SCORE: Game tied 1-1

Overtime: Ovi in OT!

First line Jay Beagle started the 3-on-3 overtime. 1:48 into the extra session, Evgeny Kuznetsov to Alex Ovechkin for the game winner. The Canes challenged for offside. The referees confirmed the good goal and the Caps were victorious on Russian Heritage Night. The Caps’ 50th win of the season.

GOALS: Alex Ovechkin scored his 42nd of the season (assist: Evgeny Kuznetsov)

PENALTIES: None

SCORE: Caps win 2-1

The Capitals officially secured their playoff spot with their overtime win. Braden Holtby set a new franchise record for most wins in a single season (42). Good times for the Caps.

What’s Next?

Practice: The Caps have a day off on Wednesday and are scheduled to have practice at 10:30am on Thursday at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

Game: The Nashville Predators visit the Verizon Center on Friday at 7pm.